Detection of mutations regarding one or more deoxyribonucleic acid sequences using deterministic lateral displacement arrays

ABSTRACT

Techniques regarding screening for mutations using nanoscale deterministic arrays are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a method, which can comprise cleaving a deoxyribonucleic acid segment hybridized with a molecular probe to form a sample fluid. The cleaving can occur at a first end and a second end of the molecular probe. Also, the cleaving can comprise a cleaving agent that targets base pair mismatches. The method can also comprise supplying the sample fluid to a nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array to screen for a single nucleotide polymorphism.

BACKGROUND

The subject disclosure relates to utilizing one or more deterministiclateral displacement arrays to detect one or more mutations regardingone or more deoxyribonucleic acid sequences, and more specifically, toutilizing one or more deterministic lateral displacement arrays,deoxyribonucleic acid hybridizations, and/or site-specific cleavagetechniques to detect one or more mutations.

The amount of deoxyribonucleic acid (“DNA”) that is conserved from oneindividual to the next is greater than 99.9%. Single nucleotidepolymorphisms (“SNPs”) or variants are single DNA base pairs that showvariation in a minority of individuals and are the underlying source ofphenotypic variability. SNPs can occur approximately once every 300 basepairs (bps) and can total approximately 10 million. Many common SNPs aredocumented for their association with disease and used as markers fordisease detection. For example, 23 common disease-causing mutations inthe cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (“CFTR”) geneassociated with cystic fibrosis are routinely screened in potentialcarriers. However, not all disease-causing SNPs are documented orroutinely screened. If a disease is present and targeted genetic testingfor common mutations does not produce any results, screening for newmutations must be done.

Conventional methods use either whole-gene or whole-genome sequencing toidentify novel disease-causing SNPs. One problem with said conventionalmethods is that they are costly and/or time-consuming, frequentlyrequiring months or weeks. Thereby patients with the disease are leftwaiting for results to determine the best course of treatment, whilepatients who are carriers spend unnecessary healthcare dollars and/orare left anxiously waiting for results despite not having the disease.Delays due to the lengthy processing time of conventional screeningmethods can have a significant impact on patient treatment and/or care.

Another source of disease-causing mutations is exon copy number variant(“CNV”), which arises not from single nucleotide variations, butduplication or deletion of whole exome or regions of exosomes. However,problematically, this type of mutation is difficult to detect byconventional sequencing methods and requires an understanding of theratio of the exon copy number to the rest of the genomic material.Similar challenges exist in detecting aberrant chromosome numbers, oraneuploidies, which typically require karyotyping. For example, problemswith conventional screening techniques for CNV and/or chromosomalaneuploidy can include high costs and/or long processing times.

SUMMARY

The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of oneor more embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended toidentify key or critical elements, or delineate any scope of theparticular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose isto present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the moredetailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, systems, apparatuses, and/or methods that can regarddetecting one or more target deoxyribonucleic acid sequences via one ormore deterministic lateral displacement arrays are described.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided. The method cancomprise cleaving a deoxyribonucleic acid segment hybridized with amolecular probe to form a sample fluid. The cleaving can occur at afirst end and a second end of the molecular probe. Also, the cleavingcan comprise a cleaving agent that targets base pair mismatches. Themethod can also comprise supplying the sample fluid to a nanoscaledeterministic lateral displacement array to screen for a singlenucleotide polymorphism. An advantage of such a method can be that a lowsample volume is required to perform the screening, as compare toconventional screening techniques.

In some examples, the molecular probe can remain intact between thefirst end and the second end subsequent to the cleaving. Also, themolecular probe can flow through the nanoscale deterministic lateraldisplacement array in a bumped path. An advantage of such a method canbe decreased costs and/or time consumption associated with screening forSNPs, as compare to conventional techniques.

Further, in one or more examples, the cleaving can further cleave themolecular probe between the first end and the second end. Thereby, themolecular probe within the sample fluid can be too small to be laterallydisplaced by the nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array. Anadvantage of such a method can be that site-specific cleaving can beutilized to render the screening adaptable to various nucleic acidsequences.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided. The method cancomprise forming a first sample fluid by hybridizing a first molecularprobe to a first deoxyribonucleic acid segment. The method can alsocomprise forming a second sample fluid by hybridizing a second molecularprobe to a second deoxyribonucleic acid segment. The firstdeoxyribonucleic acid segment and the second deoxyribonucleic acidsegment can be defined by a same nucleic acid sequence. Further, themethod can comprise screening for a single nucleotide polymorphism inthe same nucleic acid sequence by supplying the first sample fluid to afirst nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array and the secondsample fluid to a second nanoscale deterministic lateral displacementarray. An advantage of such a method is that a tiled panel of molecularprobes can used to adjust the resolution of the screening.

In some examples, a first portion of the same nucleic acid sequence canremain intact subsequent to the cleaving of the first deoxyribonucleicacid segment. Also, a second portion of the same nucleic acid sequencecan remain intact subsequent to the cleaving of the seconddeoxyribonucleic acid segment. Thereby, the first molecular probe canflow through the first nanoscale deterministic lateral displacementarray in a first bumped path. Additionally, the second molecular probecan flow through the second nanoscale deterministic lateral displacementarray in a second bumped path. Also, the molecular probe can flowthrough the nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array in abumped path. An advantage of such a method can be decreased costs and/ortime consumption associated with the screen as compare to conventionaltechniques.

Further, in one or more examples, a portion of the same nucleic acidsequence can remain intact subsequent to the cleaving of the firstdeoxyribonucleic acid segment. However, the cleaving of the seconddeoxyribonucleic acid segment can further comprise cleaving the seconddeoxyribonucleic acid segment between first end and the second end ofthe second molecular probe. The first molecular probe can flow throughthe first nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array in a bumpedpath. Further, the second molecular probe flows through the secondnanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array in a zig-zag path. Anadvantage of such a method can be decreased costs and/or timeconsumption associated with the screen as compare to conventionaltechniques.

Moreover, in one or more examples, the cleaving of the firstdeoxyribonucleic acid segment can further comprise cleaving the firstdeoxyribonucleic acid segment between the first end and the second endof the first molecular probe. Also, the cleaving of the seconddeoxyribonucleic acid segment can further comprise cleaving the seconddeoxyribonucleic acid segment between first end and the second end ofthe second molecular probe. The first molecular probe can flow throughthe first nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array in a firstzig-zag path. Additionally, the second molecular probe can flow throughthe second nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array in asecond zig-zag path. An advantage of a such a method can be that inaddition to detecting the existence of a SNP, the method can furtherdetect a location of the SNP within the one or more deoxyribonucleicacids.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided. The method cancomprise adding a first molecular probe to a sample of genetic material.The first molecular probe can have an affinity to bond to a targetnucleic acid sequence. The method can also comprise hybridizing a secondmolecular probe to a reference nucleic acid sequence comprised withinthe sample of genetic material. Further, the method can comprisescreening for a mutation in the sample of genetic material by supplyingthe sample of genetic material to a nanoscale deterministic lateraldisplacement array. The first molecular probe can be smaller than acritical diameter for lateral displacement by the nanoscaledeterministic lateral displacement array. An advantage of such a methodcan be that a low sample volume is required to screen for CNVs and/orchromosomal aneuploidy, as compare to conventional screening techniques.

In some examples, the method can also comprise determining that thesample of genetic material comprises the mutation based on the firstmolecular probe flowing through the nanoscale deterministic lateraldisplacement array in a zig-zag path. An advantage of such a method canbe decreased costs and/or time consumption associated with screening forCNVs and/or chromosomal aneuploidy, as compare to conventionaltechniques.

Further, in one or more examples, the first molecular probe and thesecond molecular probe can flow through the nanoscale deterministiclateral displacement array in a bumped path. Also, the method cancomprise determining a ratio of a first amount of the first molecularprobe flowing through the bumped path to a second amount of the secondmolecular probe flowing through the bumped path. Additionally, themethod can comprise determining whether the sample of genetic materialcomprises the mutation based on the ratio. An advantage of such a methodcan be that the subject screening can detect various types of CNVsand/or chromosomal aneuploidy as opposed to focusing on a single type ofmutation, as is commonly practiced in conventional techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting microfluidicchannel that can comprise one or more deterministic lateral displacementarrays, which can facilitate screening for one or more mutations inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting hybridizationscheme than depict how one or more respective molecular probes can havean affinity to bond to respective portions of one or more geneticmaterials in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of example, non-limiting cleaving schemesthat can depict how one or more respective molecular probes can becleaved to facilitate screening for one or more mutations in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting microfluidicchannel that can comprise one or more deterministic lateral displacementarrays, which can facilitate screening for mutations such as CNV and/orchromosomal aneuploidy in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting microfluidicchannel that can comprise one or more deterministic lateral displacementarrays, which can facilitate screening for one or more mutations such asCNV and/or chromosomal aneuploidy in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting system that cancomprise a microfluidic channel and can comprise facilitate screeningone or more DNA segments for one or more mutations in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodthat can facilitate screening for single nucleic polymorphisms using oneor more deterministic lateral displacement arrays in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodthat can facilitate screening for SNPs using one or more deterministiclateral displacement arrays in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodthat can facilitate screening for SNPs using one or more deterministiclateral displacement arrays in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodthat can facilitate screening for SNPs using one or more deterministiclateral displacement arrays in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodthat can facilitate screening for one or more mutations in one or moreDNA segments through the use of one or more deterministic lateraldisplacement arrays in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodthat can facilitate screening for one or more mutations in one or moreDNA segments through the use of one or more deterministic lateraldisplacement arrays in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limitingoperating environment in which one or more embodiments described hereincan be facilitated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is notintended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses of embodiments.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied information presented in the preceding Background or Summarysections, or in the Detailed Description section.

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. It isevident, however, in various cases, that the one or more embodiments canbe practiced without these specific details. Further, it is to beunderstood that common cross-hatching and/or shading depicted across thedrawings can represent common features, compositions, and/or conditionsdescribed herein in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Given the above problems with conventional techniques for screening formutations such as SNP, CNV, and/or chromosomal aneuploidy; the presentdisclosure can be implemented to produce a solution to one or more ofthese problems in the form of screening DNA segments for mutations usingdeterministic lateral displacement arrays. Methods and/or systemsimplementing such screening can have the advantage of being less costlyand/or less time-consuming than conventional screening techniques.Additionally, other advantages exhibited by the methods and/or systemsdescribed herein, as compared to conventional techniques, can include,but are not limited to: rapid detection, the capability ofsingle-particle detection, lower sample volumes required for detectionand/or preparation, a direct read-out of screening results, and/orunprecedented adaptability to numerous DNA sequences.

Various embodiments described herein can regard rapid single moleculedetection that can screen for mutations substantially faster and/orcheaper than conventional techniques. Further, one or more embodimentscan utilize microfluidics in a lab-on-a-chip device to screen one ormore DNA segments via deterministic lateral displacement (e.g., via oneor more nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement arrays). Forexample, one or more embodiments can detect SNPs, CNV, and/orchromosomal aneuploidy. Thus, one or more embodiments described hereincan regard one or more lab-on-chip devices that can facilitate screeningfor one or more mutations, wherein the one or more lab-on-chip devicescan, advantageously, be operated quickly (e.g., near instantaneously),in a variety of locations (e.g., at an entity's home), and without thetypical need for specialized laboratory equipment.

As used herein, the term “lab-on-a-chip (“LOC”)” can refer to one ormore devices that can integrate one or more laboratory functions onto anintegrated circuit (e.g., a semiconductor substrate structure) toachieve autonomous screening of one or more samples. LOCs can utilizemicroelectromechanical systems and/or microfluidic systems to facilitatescreening the one or more samples. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that a LOC devices can range in size from, for example, one ormore square millimeters to one or more square centimeters.

As used herein the term “deterministic lateral displacement (“DLD”)” canrefer to one or more microfluidic techniques that can size fractionate apolydisperse suspension of molecules through the use of one or morearrays of obstacles. For example, DLD arrays can laterally displacetarget molecules within a sample stream based on size. Further, DLDarrays can comprise a plurality of pillars arranged in a latticestructure. Rows of pillars comprising the lattice structure can bepositioned offset of each other at a defined angle, and pillars can beseparated from each other by a defined gap size. The defined angleand/or gap size can facilitate displacement of one or more molecules ofa target size range comprised within a stream flowing through the DLDarray.

As used herein the term “nano-DLD array” can refer to a DLD array thatcan be characterized by one or more dimensions ranging from greater thanor equal to 1 nanometer (nm) and less than or equal to 999 nm. Forexample, a nano-DLD array can be a DLD array characterized by a gap size(e.g., a distance between adjacent pillars comprised within the latticestructure) of greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to999 nm (e.g., greater than or equal to 25 nm and less than or equal to235 nm). In one or more embodiments, a nano-DLD array can facilitatedisplacement of genetic code sequences that can be characterized ashaving an exemplary length ranging from, but not limited to, greaterthan or equal to 25 bp and less than or equal to 200 bp.

As used herein the term “mutation” can refer to a change in a geneticsequence (e.g., naturally occurring or synthesized). For example, amutation can comprise the changing of the structure of a gene and/orgenetic material, resulting in a variant form that can be transmitted tosubsequent generations of the gene and/or genetic material. A mutationcan be caused by the alteration of one or more base pairs in a DNAsegment, and/or the deletion, insertion, and/or rearrangement of one ormore sections of genes and/or chromosomes. Example mutations caninclude, SNPs, CNVs, chromosomal aneuploidy, exon deletion and/oramplification, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of example, non-limiting microfluidicchannels 100 that can comprise one or more nano-DLD arrays 102, whichcan facilitate screening for one or more SNPs through lateraldisplacement of one or more molecules based on size in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. The one or more microfluidicchannels 100 can comprise one or more inlets 104 and/or one or moreoutlets 106. One or more sample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108,second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth samplefluid 114) can enter the one or more microfluidic channels 100 via theone or more inlets 104 and flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays102 (e.g., in a flow direction represented by the “F” arrow in FIG. 1)to exit the one or more microfluidic channels 100 via the one or moreoutlets 106. FIG. 1 depicts a focused injection configuration of the oneor more microfluidic channels 100 in which the one or more sample fluids(e.g., first sample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third samplefluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid 114) can enter the one or moremicrofluidic channels 100 in a focused region of the microfluidicchannels' 100 width (e.g., along the “X” direction). While FIG. 1depicts the focused region within the center of the microfluidicchannel's 100 width, the architecture of the one or more microfluidicchannels 100 is not so limited. For example, the focused region can becloser to the one or more side walls 116 than depicted in FIG. 1.

In another example, the one or more microfluidic channels 100 cancomprise a full-width injection configuration in which the one or moresample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110,third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid 114) can enter theone or more microfluidic channels 100 across the entire, and/or nearlythe entire, width (e.g., along the “X” direction) of the one or moremicrofluidic channels 100.

The one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 can comprise a lattice of asymmetricpillars arranged in rows and/or columns. FIG. 1 shows an expanded view(e.g., as indicated by dashed lines) of a portion of the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102 to illustrate an exemplary structure. As shown inthe expanded portion, the plurality of pillars comprised within the oneor more nano-DLD arrays 102 can be arranged at an angle with respect toone or more side walls 116 of the one or more microfluidic channels 100,such that one or more rows and/or columns of the pillars can be offsetfrom adjacent rows and/or columns of the pillars. For example, the anglecan be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90degrees. The one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 can extend across a portionand/or an entirety of the width (e.g., along the “X” direction) of theone or more microfluidic channels 100. Also, the one or more nano-DLDarrays 102 can extend across a portion and/or an entirety of the length(e.g., along the “Y” direction) of the one or more microfluidic channels100. Further, the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 can have a uniform gapsize between pillars along the width (e.g., along the “X” direction)and/or length (e.g., along the “Y” direction) of the one or moremicrofluidic channels 100. Alternatively, the one or more nano-DLDarrays 102 can have varying gap sizes between pillars along the width(e.g., along the “X” direction) and/or length (e.g., along the “Y”direction) of the one or more microfluidic channels 100. For example,the gap size of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 can decrease (e.g.,gradually and/or abruptly) along the length (e.g., along the “Y”direction) of the one or more microfluidic channels 100.

FIG. 2A illustrates a diagram of an exemplary, non-limitinghybridization scheme 200 that can depict how respective molecular probes(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can havedifferent binding affinities and/or can be hybridized to differentportions of one or more genetic materials 210 to facilitate preparationof the one or more sample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108, secondsample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid114) in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The one or more sample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108, secondsample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid114) can comprise one or more genetic materials 210. Example samplesfrom which the one or more genetic materials 210 can be derived from caninclude, but are not limited to: in vitro samples, blood samples, urinesamples, tissue samples, saliva samples, a combination thereof, and/orthe like. For example, the one or more genetic materials 210 cancomprise, but are not limited to: DNA from clinical samples, isolatedgenomic DNA, purified DNA, chromosomes, genes, a combination thereof,and/or the like.

In one or more embodiments, multiple sample fluids (e.g., first samplefluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/orfourth sample fluid 114) can be prepared by hybridizing the one or moregenetic materials 210 (e.g., one or more DNA segments) with respectivemolecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecularprobe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe208). For example, each respective molecular probe (e.g., firstmolecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can have an affinity to bond toa different nucleic acid sequence defining a portion of the geneticmaterial 210.

As shown in FIG. 2A, respective molecular probes (e.g., first molecularprobe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208) can be hybridized to respective portions ofthe one or more genetic materials 210 (e.g., DNA segments). For example,the first sample fluid 108 can be prepared by hybridizing the one ormore genetic materials 210 with the first molecular probe 202. Inanother example, the second sample fluid 110 can be prepared byhybridizing the one or more genetic materials 210 with the secondmolecular probe 204. In another example, the third sample fluid 112 canbe prepared by hybridizing the one or more genetic materials 210 withthe third molecular probe 206. In another example, the fourth samplefluid 114 can be prepared by hybridizing the one or more geneticmaterials 210 with the fourth molecular probe 208.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2A, the straight horizontal line of the geneticmaterial 210 can represent a nucleic acid sequence that can define thegenetic material 210 (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence that can define aDNA segment). In one or more embodiments, one or more molecular probes(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can hybridize toa first portion of the genetic material 210 while one or more othermolecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecularprobe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208)can hybridize to one or more other portions of the genetic material 210.In one or more embodiments, the first portion can be entirely separate(e.g., adjacent) from the one or more other portions. Alternatively, inone or more embodiments one or more of the other portions can overlapthe first portion, as shown in FIG. 2A; thereby the one or moremolecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecularprobe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208)can comprise a tiled panel of molecular probes. Further, the tilingdensity of the tiled panel of molecular probes can vary. For example,greater than or equal to 50 percent (%) and less than or equal to 100%of one or more of the other portions can overlap the first portion.

While FIG. 2A illustrates a hybridization scheme 200 comprising fourrespective molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, secondmolecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecularprobe 208) to facilitate the preparation of four respective samplefluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, thirdsample fluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid 114), the architecture ofthe hybridization scheme 200 is not so limited. For example, thehybridization scheme 200 can comprise fewer or additional respectivemolecular probes to facilitate the preparation of fewer or additionalsample fluids. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thenumber of respective molecular probes, and thereby the number ofrespective sample fluids, can vary depending on the size of the geneticmaterial 210 and/or the intended purpose of the screening.

The one or more molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202,second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourthmolecular probe 208) can be characterized as molecules that have anaffinity to bond (e.g., covalently bod) to a defined nucleic acidsequence. For example, the one or more molecular probes (e.g., firstmolecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can comprise one or more nucleicacid sequences that are complimentary to one or more nucleic acidsequences defining the genetic material 210 (e.g., DNA segments).

Furthermore, the molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202,second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourthmolecular probe 208) can be larger than the one or more criticaldiameters of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 comprised within theone or more microfluidic channels 100. As used herein, the term“critical diameter” can refer to a defined threshold that cancharacterize a size at which molecules are subject to displacement(e.g., lateral displacement) by a subject nano-DLD array 102. In otherwords, molecules having a size greater than or equal to the criticaldiameter of a subject nano-DLD array 102 can be displaced towards acollection region by the nano-DLD array 102. The critical diameter ofone or more nano-DLD arrays 102 can be affected by one or moreparameters of the nano-DLD arrays 102, such as gap size and/or theoffset angle (e.g., represented by “0”).

For example, a size of the one or more molecular probes (e.g., firstmolecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can range from, but is notlimited to, greater than or equal to 25 bp and less than or equal 20,000bp. One or more users of the one or more microfluidic channels 100 canselect molecular probe sizes based on, for example, the criticaldiameter of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 and/or the size of thegenetic material 210. Additionally, the one or more molecular probes(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can be labelledto facilitate detection of the one or more molecular probes as theyenter, traverse, and/or exit the one or more microfluidic channels 100.For example, the one or more molecular probes (e.g., first molecularprobe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208) can exit the one or more outlets 106 at oneor more locations depending on the one or more molecular probes'interaction with the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 (e.g., whether theone or more molecular probes are bumped towards a collection region orzig-zag through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102). In one or moreembodiments, respective molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208) can be labelled with respective identifiers.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more molecular probes (e.g.,first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecularprobe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can be labeled with one ormore fluorescent tags (e.g., natural and/or synthetic fluorescent tags)to render the one or more molecular probes fluorescent and/or morereadily identified by optical detection techniques. The one or morefluorescent tags can be, for example, bonded to the respective molecularbackbones of the one or more molecular probes (e.g., first molecularprobe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208). Example fluorescent labeling techniquesthat can facilitate detection of the one or more molecular probes caninclude, but are not limited to: enzymatic labeling, chemical labeling,protein labeling, genetic labeling, DNA intercalating agents, acombination thereof, and/or the like. One of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that a variety of known fluorescent labelling techniquescan be utilized to label the one or more molecular probes (e.g., firstmolecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) for detection by one or moresensor devices.

Further, in various embodiments, the one or more molecular probes (e.g.,first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecularprobe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can be labelled using oneor more magnetic beads to render the one or more molecular probes morereadily identified by electrical detection techniques. Example magneticbead surface chemistries can include, but are not limited to: silica,oligo, specific oligonucleotide sequences, and/or the like. The one ormore magnetic beads can be bonded to the one or more molecular probes(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) to facilitatedetecting the one or more molecular probes through triggered electricalshifts. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a varietyof known magnetic and/or electrochemical techniques can be used torender the one or more molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208) readily identifiable by one or more sensordevices.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more sample fluids (e.g., firstsample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114) can be prepared by one or morehybridization reactions between the one or more molecular probes (e.g.,first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecularprobe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) and/or the one or moregenetic materials 210 (e.g., DNA segments). The one or morehybridization reactions can be facilitated using enzymatic hybridizationtechniques and/or temperature based hybridization techniques. Forexample, the one or more sample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108,second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth samplefluid 114) can be annealed to a temperature ranging from, but notlimited to, greater than or equal to 50 degrees Celsius (“° C.”) andless than or equal to 100° C. (e.g., 95° C.).

Further, preparation of the one or more sample fluids (e.g., firstsample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114) can comprise site-specific cleaving ofthe genetic material 210. The cleaving can comprise chemical cleavingtechniques and/or enzymatic cleaving techniques. For example, thecleaving can comprise the use of a chemical cleaving agent such aspiperidine and/or hydroxlamine. In another example, the cleaving cancomprise the use of an enzymatic cleaving agent such as endonucleases.In one or more embodiments, the cleaving agent can target base pairmismatches between a respective molecular probe (e.g., first molecularprobe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208) and the genetic material 210 comprising arespective sample fluid (e.g., first sample fluid 108, second samplefluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid 114).

Thus, the site-specific cleaving can be facilitated by engineeredmismatches (e.g., represented by exemplary “X”s in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B)and/or non-engineered mismatches caused by mutations in the nucleic acidsequence that defines the one or more genetic materials 210 (e.g.,represented by an exemplary “Y”s in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B). For example,respective ends (e.g., the 5′ end and/or the 3′ end) of the respectivemolecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecularprobe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208)can mismatch the corresponding base pairs in the genetic material 210.For instance, the respective molecular probes (e.g., first molecularprobe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208) can have an engineered mismatch (e.g.,represented by “X” in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B) at a first end (e.g., their 5′end) and/or a second end (e.g., their 3′ end) in comparison to referencenucleic acid sequence, which can represent a standard and/or healthynucleic acid sequence to be hybridized by the respective molecular probe(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208).

In another example, a variation in the nucleic acid sequence definingthe genetic material 210 as compared to a reference nucleic acidsequence, which can represent a nucleic acid sequence that can define astandard and/or healthy variant of the genetic material 210 (e.g., DNAsegment), can cause one or more non-engineered mismatches (e.g.,represented by “Y” in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B). The one or morenon-engineered mismatches (e.g., represented by “Y” in FIGS. 2A and/or2B) can be an indication of a mutation in the genetic material 210, suchas one or more SNPs.

FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of example, non-limiting cleaving schemesthat can depict how the genetic material 210 can be cleaved inpreparation of the one or more sample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourthsample fluid 114) to facilitate screening for one or more mutations,such as SNPs, via one or more deterministic lateral displacement arrays102 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The first cleaving scheme 212 can depict cleaving of the geneticmaterial 210 (e.g., DNA segment) in accordance with the exemplaryhybridization scheme 200 to prepare the first sample fluid 108. As shownin FIG. 2A, the first molecular probe 202 can hybridize to a portion ofthe genetic material 210 that does not comprise a non-engineeredmismatch (e.g., represented by “Y” in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B), such as aSNP. As shown in FIG. 2B, the chemical and/or enzymatic cleaving (e.g.,via one or more cleaving agents that target mismatched base pairs) ofthe genetic material 210 hybridized by the first molecular probe 202 canresult in cleaving of the genetic material 210 at the 5′ end and/or the3′ end of the first molecular probe 202. Since, no non-engineeredmismatches are comprised within the portion of the genetic material 210hybridized between the 5′ end and the 3′ end of the first molecularprobe 202, the nucleic acid sequence defining the first molecular probe202 remains consistent (e.g., intact) before and after the site-specificcleaving. Thus, the genetic material 210 can be comprised within thefirst sample fluid 108 as two segments (e.g., a first segment hybridizedwith the first molecular probe 202, and a second segment not hybridizedwith the first molecular probe 202).

The second cleaving scheme 214 can depict cleaving of the geneticmaterial 210 (e.g., DNA segment) in accordance with the exemplaryhybridization scheme 200 to prepare the second sample fluid 110. Asshown in FIG. 2A, the second molecular probe 204 can hybridize to aportion of the genetic material 210 that does not comprise anon-engineered mismatch (e.g., represented by “Y” in FIGS. 2A and/or2B), such as a SNP. As shown in FIG. 2B, the chemical and/or enzymaticcleaving (e.g., via one or more cleaving agents that target mismatchedbase pairs) of the genetic material 210 hybridized by the secondmolecular probe 204 can result in cleaving of the genetic material 210at the 5′ end and/or the 3′ end of the second molecular probe 204.Since, no non-engineered mismatches are comprised within the portion ofthe genetic material 210 hybridized between the 5′ end and the 3′ end ofthe second molecular probe 204, the nucleic acid sequence defining thesecond molecular probe 204 remains consistent (e.g., intact) before andafter the site-specific cleaving. Thus, the genetic material 210 can becomprised within the second sample fluid 110 as three segments (e.g.,one segment hybridized with the second molecular probe 204, and twoother segments not hybridized with the second molecular probe 204).

The third cleaving scheme 216 can depict cleaving of the geneticmaterial 210 (e.g., DNA segment) in accordance with the exemplaryhybridization scheme 200 to prepare the third sample fluid 112. As shownin FIG. 2A, the third molecular probe 206 can hybridize to a portion ofthe genetic material 210 that comprises a non-engineered mismatch (e.g.,represented by “Y” in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B), such as a SNP. As shown inFIG. 2B, the chemical and/or enzymatic cleaving (e.g., via one or morecleaving agents that target mismatched base pairs) of the geneticmaterial 210 hybridized by the third molecular probe 206 can result incleaving of the genetic material 210 at the 5′ end of the thirdmolecular probe 206, the 3′ end of the third molecular probe 206, and/orat the non-engineered mismatch (e.g., represented by “Y” in FIGS. 2Aand/or 2B). Since, a non-engineered mismatch (e.g., represented by “Y”in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B) is comprised within the portion of the geneticmaterial 210 hybridized between the 5′ end and the 3′ end of the thirdmolecular probe 206, the nucleic acid sequence defining the thirdmolecular probe 206 can be cleaved between the 5′ end of the thirdmolecular probe 206 and the 3′ end of the third molecular probe 206.Thus, the genetic material 210 can be comprised within the third samplefluid 112 as four segments (e.g., a first segment hybridized with afirst segment of the third molecular probe 206, a second segmenthybridized with a second segment of the third molecular probe 206,and/or two additional segments not hybridized with the third molecularprobe 206).

The fourth cleaving scheme 218 can depict cleaving of the geneticmaterial 210 (e.g., DNA segment) in accordance with the exemplaryhybridization scheme 200 to prepare the fourth sample fluid 114. Asshown in FIG. 2A, the fourth molecular probe 208 can hybridize to aportion of the genetic material 210 that comprises a non-engineeredmismatch (e.g., represented by “Y” in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B), such as aSNP. As shown in FIG. 2B, the chemical and/or enzymatic cleaving (e.g.,via one or more cleaving agents that target mismatched base pairs) ofthe genetic material 210 hybridized by the fourth molecular probe 208can result in cleaving of the genetic material 210 at the 5′ end of thefourth molecular probe 208, the 3′ end of the fourth molecular probe208, and/or at the non-engineered mismatch (e.g., represented by “Y” inFIGS. 2A and/or 2B). Since, a non-engineered mismatch (e.g., representedby “Y” in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B) is comprised within the portion of thegenetic material 210 hybridized between the 5′ end and the 3′ end of thefourth molecular probe 208, the nucleic acid sequence defining thefourth molecular probe 208 can be cleaved between the 5′ end of thethird molecular probe 206 and the 3′ end of the third molecular probe206. Thus, the genetic material 210 can be comprised within the fourthsample fluid 115 as three segments (e.g., a first segment hybridizedwith a first segment of the fourth molecular probe 208, a second segmenthybridized with a second segment of the fourth molecular probe 208,and/or a third segment not hybridized with the fourth molecular probe208).

Moreover, in one or more embodiments, the one or more sample fluids(e.g., first sample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third samplefluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid 114) can be prepared off a LOCcomprising the one or more microfluidic channels 100 and/or can beloaded onto the LOC, and/or can thereby enter the one or moremicrofluidic channels 100 subsequent to preparation. Also, in variousembodiments the one or more sample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108,second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth samplefluid 114) can be prepared on a LOC comprising the one or moremicrofluidic channels 100.

Referring again to FIG. 1, screening of the one or more sample fluids(e.g., first sample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third samplefluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid 114) for one or more mutations(e.g., SNPs) can be facilitated by the one or more microfluidic channels100. For example, one or more LOCs can comprise a respectivemicrofluidic channel 100 for each sample fluid (e.g., first sample fluid108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourthsample fluid 114). Just as the number of molecular probes is not limitedto the exemplary four molecular probes described with regards to FIGS.1-2B, the number of sample fluids and/or microfluidic channels 100 isnot limited to four. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the number of sample fluids and/or microfluidic channels100 can be fewer or greater than the four illustrated herein dependingon, for instance: the desired resolution of the scanning, the size ofthe subject genetic material 210, and/or the desired specificity withregards to one or more detected SNPs.

As the respective sample fluids (e.g., first sample fluid 108, secondsample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112, and/or fourth sample fluid114) flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 (e.g., in the flowdirection represented by arrow “F”), respective molecular probes (e.g.,first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, third molecularprobe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can experience differentflow paths based on the size of the molecules. In other words, the oneor more nano-DLD arrays 102 can displace respective molecular probes(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) based on size.

The respective molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, secondmolecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecularprobe 208) can be larger than the critical diameter of the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102. Thus, respective molecular probes (e.g., firstmolecular probe 202 and/or second molecular probe 204) can flow throughthe one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a bumped path 118 when theyremain un-cleaved between their 5′ end and/or 3′ end by thesite-specific cleaving. In contrast, respective molecular probes cleavedbetween the molecular probes 5′ end and/or 3′ end by the site-specificcleaving (e.g., third molecular probe 206 and/or fourth molecular probe208) can be smaller than the critical diameter of the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102, and thereby can flow through the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102 in a zig-zag path 120 and/or partially bumped path122.

The bumped path 118 can comprise a flow path through the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102 wherein the respective molecular probe (e.g., firstmolecular probe 202 and/or second molecular probe 204) can be laterallydisplaced (e.g., in a lateral displacement direction represented by the“LD” arrow) towards a collection region (e.g., a collection wall 124and/or a collection channel). For example, the one or more intactmolecular probes (e.g., molecular probes not cleaved between themolecular probe's 5′ end and/or 3′ end) can be laterally displacedtowards a collection wall 124 of the one or more microfluidic channels100. As the one or more intact molecular probes (e.g., first molecularprobe 202 and/or second molecular probe 204) flow through the one ormore nano-DLD arrays 102, the one or more intact molecular probes (e.g.,first molecular probe 202 and/or second molecular probe 204) can befurther displaced towards and/or concentrated adjacent to the collectionwall 124. Thus, the one or more intact molecular probes (e.g., firstmolecular probe 202 and/or second molecular probe 204) can exit the oneor more microfluidic channels 100 via the one or more outlets 106 as aconcentrated stream (e.g., as represented by arrow “A”). Therefore, theone or more intact molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202and/or second molecular probe 204), being larger than the criticaldiameter of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102, can flow through theone or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a bumped path 118.

The zig-zag path 120 can comprise a flow path through the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102 wherein the respective molecular probe (e.g., thirdmolecular probe 206 and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can zig-zagaround the plurality of pillars within the nano-DLD array 102, therebyavoiding persistent lateral displacement towards the collection region(e.g., collection wall 124). For example, the one or more cleavedmolecular probes (e.g., third molecular probe 206 and/or fourthmolecular probe 208) can be smaller than the critical diameter of theone or more nano-DLD arrays 102 (e.g., due at least to the site-specificcleaving) and can thereby flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays102 in a zig-zag path 120 and/or exit the one or more nano-DLD arrays102 in another stream (e.g., as represented by arrow “B”). Additionally,one or more of the cleaved molecular probes (e.g., third molecular probe206 and/or fourth molecular probe 208) can be partially displaced,wherein the one or more cleaved molecular probes can flow through theone or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a partial bumped path 122. The one ormore molecular probes can be partially bumped (e.g., partially laterallydisplaced) at least because their size and/or length is close to thecritical diameter.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, whether or not a given portion of agenetic material 210 (e.g., DNA segment) comprises one or more SNPs canbe determined based on the flow path (e.g., bumped path 118 or zig-zagpath 120) of the respective molecular probe (e.g., first molecular probe202, second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/orfourth molecular probe 208) having an affinity to bond to said portion(e.g., said nucleic acid sequence) of the genetic material 210. If aportion of the genetic material 210 (e.g., DNA segment) contains noSNPs; then the site-specific cleaving can cleave said portion only atthe engineered mismatches located at the 5′ end and/or 3′ end of amolecular probe having an affinity to bond to said portion, saidmolecular probe can remain un-cleaved between its 5′ end and 3′ end(e.g., the nucleic acid sequence defining the molecular probe can remainintact throughout preparation of the respective sample fluid), and/orsaid molecular probe can flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays102 in a bumped path 118. If a portion of the genetic material 210(e.g., DNA segment) comprises one or more SNPs; then the site-specificcleaving can cleave said portion at the engineered mismatches located atthe 5′ end and/or 3′ end of a molecular probe having an affinity to bondto said portion and at the non-engineered mismatches located at the SNP,said molecular probe can be cleaved between the its 5′ end and 3′ end(e.g., at a point corresponding to the SNP), and/or said molecular probecan flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a zig-zag path120 and/or partially bumped path 122.

In one or more embodiments, the use of a plurality of molecular probes(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208), which can haverespective binding affinities towards distinct portions of the geneticmaterial 210 (e.g., DNA segment), can facilitate a user of the one ormore microfluidic channels 100 in identifying the one or more specificportions of the genetic material 210 that comprise one or more SNPs. Forinstance, with regards to the exemplary hybridization scheme 200 and/orgenetic material 210 shown in FIG. 2A, the use of four molecular probes(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208), which can haverespective binding affinities towards distinct portions ranging acrossthe entirety of the genetic material 210, can facilitate a user inidentifying that the specific portions hybridized with the thirdmolecular probe 206 and/or the fourth molecular probe 208 can compriseone or more SNPs (e.g., as indicated by the zig-zag paths 120 shown inFIG. 1).

Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the use of a tiled panel ofmolecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecularprobe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe208), as shown in FIG. 2A, can further narrow the potential location theone or more SNPs. For instance, with regards to the exemplaryhybridization scheme 200 and/or genetic material 210 shown in FIG. 2A,since the third molecular probe 206 and the fourth molecular probe 208both exhibited zig-zag paths 120, the portion of genetic material 210comprising the one or more SNPs can be narrowed to a portion overlappedby the bonding affinities of the third molecular probe 206 and/or thefourth molecular probe 208. Thus, the one or more embodiments describedherein can advantageously determine whether a genetic material 210comprises one or more SNPs and/or identify the possible location of theone or more SNPs.

Additionally, in various embodiments, once a portion of the geneticmaterial 210 comprising one or more SNPs has been identified (e.g., viathe flow path of the third molecular probe 206 and/or the fourthmolecular probe 208), the location of the SNP within said portion canfurther be narrowed by preparing new sample fluids using higher tiledensity with regards to said identified portion of the genetic material210. In other words, the various features of the one or more embodimentsdescribed herein can be repeated with increases specificity (e.g., withregards to the one or more molecular probes and/or the parameters, suchas gap size, of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102) until the exactbase pair that is mutated can be identified.

FIGS. 3A and/or 3B illustrate diagrams of example, non-limitingmicrofluidic channels 100 that can comprise one or more nano-DLD arrays102, which can facilitate screening for one or more mutations, such asCNV and/or chromosomal aneuploidy, through lateral displacement of oneor more molecules based on size in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and/or 3B, a fifth sample fluid 302 can be suppliedto the one or more microfluidic channels 100 to facilitate screening formutations such as CNV and/or chromosomal aneuploidy. The fifth samplefluid 302 can be prepared by adding one or more target molecular probesand/or one or more reference molecular probes to one or more geneticmaterials 210. The one or more genetic materials 210 can beenzymatically and/or mechanically fragmented to a size greater than thecritical diameter of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102. For example,the one or more genetic materials 210 can be fragmented to greater thanor equal to 1000 bp and less than or equal to 20,000 bp. The one or moretarget molecular probes can have an affinity to bond to a target nucleicacid sequence (e.g., defining a target gene and/or target chromosome).Further, the one or more target molecular probes can be smaller than thecritical diameter of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102. For example,the one or more target molecular probes can be greater than or equal to25 bp and less than or equal to 200 bp. The one or more referencemolecular probes can have an affinity to bond to a reference nucleicacid sequence, which can be distinct from the target nucleic acidsequence and/or known to be comprised within the one or more geneticmaterials 210. Additionally, the one or more target molecular probesand/or the one or more reference molecular probes can be respectivelylabelled in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

Further, the fifth sample fluid 302 can be subject to enzymatichybridization techniques and/or temperature based hybridizationtechniques to facilitate hybridizations between the one or morereference molecular probes and the one or more genetic materials 210,and/or potential hybridizations between the one or more target molecularprobes and the one or more genetic materials 210. For example, the fifthsample fluid 302 can be annealed to a temperature ranging from, but notlimited to, greater than or equal to 50 degrees ° C. and less than orequal to 100° C. (e.g., 95° C.).

In one or more embodiments, exon and/or chromosomal deletion can bedetected based on the flow path of the one or more target molecularprobes through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102. For example, if theone or more genetic materials 210 comprise a double deletion of one ormore exons and/or chromosomes defined by the target nucleic acidsequence, then the one or more target molecular probes will nothybridize to the one or more genetic materials 210. Further, since theone or more target molecular probes, while unhybridized, are smallerthan the critical diameter, the one or more unhybridized targetmolecular probes can flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 ina zig-zag path 120. For example, FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary zig-zagpath 120 of one or more unhybridized target molecular probes. Incontrast, the one or more reference molecular probes, being hybridizedto the one or more genetic materials 210 that are larger than thecritical diameter of the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102, can flowthrough the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a bumped path 118. Forexample, FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary bumped path 118 of the one or morehybridized reference molecular probes. Thus, unhybridized targetmolecular probes can exit the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in astream (e.g., represented by the “C” arrow) separate from a stream(e.g., represented by the “D” arrow) of the hybridized referencemolecular probes.

However, wherein the one or more target molecular probes flow throughthe one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a bumped path 118 (e.g., as shownin FIG. 3B), that at least some of the target nucleic acid sequence ispresent to facilitate hybridization of the one or more target molecularprobes. Therefore, one or more target molecular probes flowing in abumped path 118 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B) can be indicative that theone or more genetic materials 210 are not subject to double deletionwith regards to the target nucleic acid sequences.

Further, in one or more embodiments CNV and/or chromosomal aneuploidycan be detected based on a ratio of bumped target molecular probes tobumped reference molecular probes. For example, single deletion and/oramplification of the one or more target nucleic acid sequences (e.g.,target exons and/or chromosomes) based on said ratio. Wherein one ormore of the target molecular probes flow in a bumped path 118, thenumber of bumped (e.g., laterally displaced) target molecular probes canbe counted over a period of time and/or the number of bumped (e.g.,laterally displaced) reference molecular probes can be counted over thesame period of time. Further, a ratio of total bumped target molecularprobes to total bumped reference molecular probes can be derived. Aratio equal to one (e.g., 1 target molecular probe:1 reference molecularprobe) can be indicative that the one or more genetic materials 210 donot comprise mutations such as CNV and/or chromosomal aneuploidy. Aratio less than one (e.g., 2 target molecular probe:3 referencemolecular probe) can be indicative that the one or more geneticmaterials 210 comprises mutations such as CNV and/or chromosomalaneuploidy. For instance, a ratio of less than one can be indicative ofsingle deletion regarding the target nucleic acid sequence (e.g., thetarget exon and/or chromosome). A ratio greater than one (e.g., 3 targetmolecular probe:2 reference molecular probe) can be indicative that theone or more genetic materials 210 comprises mutations such as CNV and/orchromosomal aneuploidy. For instance, a ratio of greater than one can beindicative of amplification regarding the target nucleic acid sequence(e.g., the target exon and/or chromosome). Thus, one or more embodimentsdescribed herein can advantageously detect presence of CNVs and/orchromosomal aneuploidy and/or type of CNVs and/or chromosomalaneuploidy.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of the example, non-limiting system 400that can comprise the one or more microfluidic channels 100 and canfacilitate screening for one or more mutations in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity. As shown in FIG. 4, in various embodiments the system400, for example the one or more microfluidic channels 100, can compriseone or more sensors 402, which can be connected to one or morecontrollers 404 via one or more networks 406.

The system 400 can facilitate any of the various embodiments describedherein. For example, the one or more microfluidic channels 100 depictedin FIG. 4 can be any of the microfluidic channels 100 in the variousembodiments described herein. In another example, any of the samplefluids described herein (e.g., first sample fluid 108, second samplefluid 110, third sample fluid 112, fourth sample fluid 114, and/or fifthsample fluid 302) can be inputted to the one or more microfluidicchannels 100 of FIG. 4 (e.g., via the one or more inlets 104), cantraverse the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 of FIG. 4 in various flowpaths (e.g., a bumped path 118, a zig-zag path 120, and/or a partiallybumped path 122), and/or can exit the one or more microfluidic channels100 in one or more streams (e.g., as represented by the one or more “S”arrows).

The one or more sensors 402 can facilitate detection of the one or moremolecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecularprobe 204, third molecular probe 206, fourth molecular probe 208, targetmolecular probe, and/or reference molecular probe) as the one or moremolecular probes traverse the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 and/orexit the microfluidic channel 100. While FIG. 4 depicts a sensor 402positioned downstream (e.g., along the flow direction represented by the“F” arrow) of the one or more outlets 106, the architecture of the oneor more microfluidic channels 100 is not so limited. For example, thesensor 402 can be positioned between the one or more inlets 104 and/orthe one or more outlets 106. Moreover, the sensor 402 can be positionedadjacent to and/or within the one or more inlets 104 and/or outlets 106.Further, the one or more microfluidic channels 100 can comprise aplurality of sensors 402 at respective locations throughout the one ormore microfluidic channels 100 (e.g., between the one or more inlets 104and the one or more outlets 106, downstream of the one or more outlets106, and/or adjacent to and/or within the one or more inlets 104 and/oroutlets 106).

The one or more sensors 402 can facilitate detection of the location ofthe one or more molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202,second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, fourth molecularprobe 208, target molecular probe, and/or reference molecular probe) asthe one or more molecular probes exit the one or more outlets 106 and/oras the one or more molecular probes traverse the one or more nano-DLDarrays 102. The one or more sensors 402 can comprise, but not limitedto: biosensors, electrochemical sensors, photosensors, optical lightabsorption sensors, a combination thereof, and/or the like. The one ormore sensors 402 can detect: a position of the one or more molecularprobes within the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102, a region of the oneor more outlets 106 from which the one or more molecular probes haveexited, individual single molecule counts of respective molecular probesand/or molecules comprising the target nucleic acid sequences and/orreference nucleic acid sequences, a combination thereof, and/or thelike.

The one or more sensors 402 can be operably coupled to one or morecontrollers 404 via one or more networks 406. The one or more networks406 can comprise wired and wireless networks, including, but not limitedto, a cellular network, a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet)or a local area network (LAN). For example, the one or more sensors 402can communicate with the one or more controllers 404 (and vice versa)using virtually any desired wired or wireless technology including forexample, but not limited to: cellular, WAN, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi),Wi-Max, WLAN, Bluetooth technology, a combination thereof, and/or thelike. Additionally, the one or more networks 406 can comprise and/or belocated within a cloud computing environment.

The one or more controllers 404 can comprise one or more computerizeddevices, which can include, but are not limited to: personal computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, cellular telephones (e.g., smartphones), computerized tablets (e.g., comprising a processor), smartwatches, keyboards, touch screens, mice, a combination thereof, and/orthe like. A user of the system 400 (e.g., via use of a LOC comprisingthe one or more microfluidic channels 100) can utilize the one or morecontrollers 404 to view and/or analyze one or more detections made bythe one or more sensors 402. For example, the one or more sensors 402can send data (e.g., regarding detections) to the one or morecontrollers 404 (e.g., via a direct connection and/or via the one ormore networks 406). In one or more embodiments, the one or morecontrollers 404 can determine, based on the detections of the one ormore sensors 402, the flow path traversed by the one or more molecules(e.g., molecular probes) through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102.For example, the one or more controllers 404 can determine whether asubject flow path exhibits lateral displacement towards a collectionregion and/or whether the a subject flow path exhibits a zig-zag path120 through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 with minimal lateraldisplacement. Moreover, based on the determined flow path, the one ormore controllers 404 can determine whether the one or more geneticmaterials 210 comprise one or more mutations.

Additionally, the one or more controllers 404 can comprise one or moredisplays that can present one or more outputs detected by the one ormore sensors 402 and/or determined by the one or more controllers 404(e.g., by one or more processors comprised within the one or morecontrollers 404) to a user. For example, the one or more displays caninclude, but are not limited to: cathode tube display (“CRT”),light-emitting diode display (“LED”), electroluminescent display(“ELD”), plasma display panel (“PDP”), liquid crystal display (“LCD”),organic light-emitting diode display (“OLED”), a combination thereof,and/or the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 500that can facilitate screening for one or more mutations, such as SNPs,through the use one or more microfluidic channels 100 in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity.

At 502, the method 500 can comprise cleaving a DNA segment hybridizedwith one or more molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202,second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourthmolecular probe 208) to form one or more sample fluids (e.g., firstsample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114). The cleaving can occur at a 5′ endand/or a 3′ end of the molecular probes. Additionally, the cleaving(e.g., site-specific cleaving) can comprise a cleaving agent (e.g., achemical cleaving agent and/or an enzymatic cleaving agent) that cantarget base pair mismatches (e.g., engineered mismatches and/ornon-engineered mismatches).

At 504, the method 500 can comprise supplying the one or more samplefluids to one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 to screen for one or moreSNPs. For example, the one or more SNPs can be detected based on a flowpath of the one or more molecular probes through the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102. An advantage of method 500 can be that the subjectscreening for SNPs can be performed much more rapidly than conventionaltechniques (e.g., at least because the one or more microfluidic channels100 can be operated on a LOC).

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 600that can facilitate screening for one or more mutations, such as SNPs,through the use one or more microfluidic channels 100 in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity.

At 602, the method 600 can comprise cleaving a DNA segment hybridizedwith one or more molecular probes (e.g., first molecular probe 202,second molecular probe 204, third molecular probe 206, and/or fourthmolecular probe 208) to form one or more sample fluids (e.g., firstsample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114). The cleaving can occur at a 5′ endand/or a 3′ end of the molecular probes. Additionally, the cleaving(e.g., site-specific cleaving) can comprise a cleaving agent (e.g., achemical cleaving agent and/or an enzymatic cleaving agent) that cantarget base pair mismatches (e.g., engineered mismatches and/ornon-engineered mismatches).

At 604, the method 600 can comprise supplying the one or more samplefluids to one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 to screen for one or moreSNPs. For example, the one or more SNPs can be detected based on a flowpath of the one or more molecular probes through the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102. For instance, depending of the presence of one ormore SNPs within the one or more DNA segments, the method 600 canproceed to 606 or 608.

Wherein the one or more molecular probes are hybridized to respectiveportions of the DNA segment that do not comprise a SNP, the method canproceed to 606. At 606, the one or more molecular probes can remainintact between the 5′ end and/or the 3′ end subsequent to the cleavingat 602 (e.g., in accordance with the first cleaving scheme 212 and/orthe second cleaving scheme 214). Further, the one or more molecularprobes can flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a bumpedpath 118 (e.g., at least because the one or more intact molecular probesare larger than the critical diameter of the one or more nano-DLD arrays102). The bumped path 118 of the one or more molecular probes canindicate that the one or more DNA segments do not comprise a SNP at theone or more portions hybridized to the one or more molecular probes.

Wherein the one or more molecular probes are hybridized to respectiveportions of the DNA segment that comprise a SNP, the method can proceedto 608. At 608, the cleaving at 602 can further cleave the one or moremolecular probes between the 5′ end and/or the 3′ end (e.g., at alocation corresponding to a non-engineered mismatch caused by a SNP).Further, the one or more molecular probes within the one or more samplefluids can be too small to be laterally displaced by the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102. Thus, the one or more molecular probes can flowthrough the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a zig-zag path 120;thereby indicating the one or more DNA segments comprise a SNP at theone or more portions hybridized to the one or more molecular probes. Anadvantage of method 600 can that the subject screening is highlyadaptable to various DNA segments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 700that can facilitate screening for one or more mutations, such as SNPs,through the use one or more microfluidic channels 100 in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity.

At 702, the method 700 can comprise forming a first sample fluid (e.g.,first sample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114) by hybridizing a first molecular probe(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) to a first DNAsegment. In one or more embodiments, the forming at 702 can furthercomprise a site-specific cleaving that targets mismatch pairs betweenthe first molecular probe and the first DNA segment.

At 704, the method 700 can comprising a second sample fluid (e.g., firstsample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114) by hybridizing a second molecular probe(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) to a second DNAsegment. The first DNA segment and the second DNA segment can be definedby a same nucleic acid sequence. In one or more embodiments, the formingat 704 can further comprise a site-specific cleaving that targetsmismatch pairs between the second molecular probe and the second DNAsegment.

At 706, the method 700 can comprise screening for a SNP in the samenucleic acid sequence by supplying the first sample fluid to a firstnano-DLD array 102 and/or the second sample fluid to a second nano-DLDarray 102. In one or more embodiments, detection of a SNP can bedetermined based on whether the first molecular probe and/or the secondmolecular probe flow through the respective nano-DLD arrays 102 in abump path 118 or a zig-zag path 120. Further, wherein an SNP isdetected, the location of the SNP can be determined based on which, orboth, of the respective molecular probes flow through the respectivenano-DLD arrays 102 in a zig-zag path 120. An advantage of method 700can be that the subject screening is able to detect one or more SNPsand/or determine the location of one or more SNPs rapidly and/orefficiently.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 800that can facilitate screening for one or more mutations, such as SNPs,through the use one or more microfluidic channels 100 in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity.

At 802, the method 800 can comprise forming a first sample fluid (e.g.,first sample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114) by hybridizing a first molecular probe(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) to a first DNAsegment. Further, the forming at 802 can also comprise cleaving thefirst DNA segment at a 5′ and/or a 3′ end of the first molecular probeusing a cleaving agent that can target base pair mismatches.

At 804, the method 800 can comprising a second sample fluid (e.g., firstsample fluid 108, second sample fluid 110, third sample fluid 112,and/or fourth sample fluid 114) by hybridizing a second molecular probe(e.g., first molecular probe 202, second molecular probe 204, thirdmolecular probe 206, and/or fourth molecular probe 208) to a second DNAsegment. The first DNA segment and the second DNA segment can be definedby a same nucleic acid sequence. Further, the forming at 804 can alsocomprise cleaving the second DNA segment at a 5′ and/or a 3′ end of thesecond molecular probe using a cleaving agent that can target base pairmismatches.

At 806, the method 800 can comprise screening for a SNP in the samenucleic acid sequence by supplying the first sample fluid to a firstnano-DLD array 102 and/or the second sample fluid to a second nano-DLDarray 102. In one or more embodiments, detection of a SNP can bedetermined based on whether the first molecular probe and/or the secondmolecular probe flow through the respective nano-DLD arrays 102 in abump path 118 or a zig-zag path 120. Further, wherein an SNP isdetected, the location of the SNP can be determined based on which, orboth, of the respective molecular probes flow through the respectivenano-DLD arrays 102 in a zig-zag path 120.

Wherein a first portion (e.g., hybridized to the first molecular probe)of the same nucleic acid sequence remains intact subsequent to thecleaving of the first DNA segment and/or a second portion (e.g.,hybridized to the second molecular probe) of the same nucleic acidsequence remains intact subsequent to the cleaving of the second DNAsegment, the method can proceed to 808. At 808 the first molecular probecan flow through the first nano-DLD array 102 in a first bumped path118. Also, the second molecular probe can flow through the secondnano-DLD array 102 in a second bumped path 118. The bumped paths 118 ofthe first molecular probe and/or the second molecular probe can indicatethat the first portion of the DNA segments (e.g., hybridized to thefirst molecular probe) and/or the second portion of the DNA segments(e.g., hybridized to the second molecular probe) do not comprise SNPs.

Wherein a first portion (e.g., hybridized to the first molecular probe)of the same nucleic acid sequence remains intact subsequent to thecleaving of the first DNA segment, but the cleaving at 804 furthercomprises cleaving the second DNA segment between the 5′ end and/or the3′ end of the second molecular probe, the method can proceed to 810. At810 the first molecular probe can flow through the first nano-DLD array102 in a bumped path 118. Also, the second molecular probe can flowthrough the second nano-DLD array 102 in a zig-zag path 120. The zig-zagpath 120 path of the second molecular can indicate that a SNP iscomprised within a portion of the same nucleic acid sequence hybridizedto the second molecular probe.

Wherein the cleaving at 802 further comprises cleaving the first DNAsegment between the 5′ end and/or the 3′ end of the first molecularprobe and/or the cleaving at 804 further comprises cleaving the secondDNA segment between the 5′ end and/or the 3′ end of the second molecularprobe, the method can proceed to 812. At 812 the first molecular probecan flow through the first nano-DLD array 102 in a first zig-zag path120. Also, the second molecular probe can flow through the secondnano-DLD array 102 in a second zig-zag path 120. The zig-zag paths 120of the first molecular probe and/or the second molecular probe canindicate that the same nucleic acid sequence comprise a SNP at a portionsubject to the bonding affinity of both the first molecular probe andthe second molecular probe. Thus, method 800 can advantageously locatespecific positions of one or more detected SNPs.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 900that can facilitate screening for one or more mutations, such as CVNsand/or chromosomal aneuploidy, through the use one or more microfluidicchannels 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 902, the method 900 can comprise adding one or more first molecularprobes (e.g., one or more target molecular probes) to a sample ofgenetic material (e.g., genetic material 210). The first molecular probecan have an affinity to bod to a target nucleic acid sequence.

At 904, the method 900 can comprise hybridizing one or more secondmolecular probes (e.g., one or more reference molecular probes) to oneor more reference nucleic acid sequences comprised within the sample ofgenetic material.

At 906, the method 900 can comprise screening for a mutation (CVNsand/or chromosomal aneuploidy) in the sample of genetic material bysupplying the sample of genetic material to one or more nano-DLD arrays102. Additionally, the one or more first molecular probes can be smallerthan a critical diameter for lateral displacement by the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102. The method 900 can facilitate detection ofmutations such as CVNs and/or chromosomal aneuploidy by analyzing theflow path of the one or more first molecular probes through the one ormore nano-DLD arrays 102 and/or by determining a ratio of firstmolecular probes bumped by the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 to secondmolecular probes bumped by the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102. Ascompared to conventional techniques, an advantage of method 900 be therapid and accurate screening of mutations such as CVNs and/orchromosomal aneuploidy.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method1000 that can facilitate screening for one or more mutations, such asCVNs and/or chromosomal aneuploidy, through the use one or moremicrofluidic channels 100 in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed inother embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 1002, the method 1000 can comprise adding one or more first molecularprobes (e.g., one or more target molecular probes) to a sample ofgenetic material (e.g., genetic material 210). The first molecular probecan have an affinity to bod to a target nucleic acid sequence.

At 1004, the method 1000 can comprise hybridizing one or more secondmolecular probes (e.g., one or more reference molecular probes) to oneor more reference nucleic acid sequences comprised within the sample ofgenetic material.

At 1006, the method 1000 can comprise screening for a mutation (CVNsand/or chromosomal aneuploidy) in the sample of genetic material bysupplying the sample of genetic material to one or more nano-DLD arrays102. Additionally, the one or more first molecular probes can be smallerthan a critical diameter for lateral displacement by the one or morenano-DLD arrays 102.

In one or more embodiments, the method 1000 can further proceed to 1008and can further comprise determining that the sample of genetic materialcomprises the mutation based on the one or more first molecular probesflowing through the one or more nano-DLD arrays 102 in a zig-zag path120. For example, the one or more first molecular probes flowing in thezig-zag path 120 can be indicative of a deletion of one or more targetnucleic acid sequence (e.g., a double deletion of one or more targetexons and/or target chromosomes).

Wherein the one or more first molecular probes and/or the one or moresecond molecular probes can flow through the one or more nano-DLD arrays102 in a bumped path 118, the method 1000 can further proceed to 1010.At 1010 the method 1000 can comprise determining a ratio of a firstamount of the first molecular probe flowing through the bumped path 118to a second amount of the second molecular probe flowing through thebumped path. Additionally, the method 1000 can comprise determiningwhether the sample of genetic material comprises the mutation (e.g.,CVNs and/or chromosomal aneuploidy) based on the ratio.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 11 as well as the following discussion are intendedto provide a general description of a suitable environment in which thevarious aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented. FIG.11 illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limiting operatingenvironment 1100 in which one or more embodiments described herein canbe facilitated. For example, the operating environment 1100 can compriseand/or otherwise facilitate one or more features of the one or morecontrollers 404 described herein in accordance with one or moreembodiments. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Withreference to FIG. 11, a suitable operating environment 1100 forimplementing various aspects of this disclosure can include a computer1112. The computer 1112 can also include a processing unit 1114, asystem memory 1116, and a system bus 1118. The system bus 1118 canoperably couple system components including, but not limited to, thesystem memory 1116 to the processing unit 1114. The processing unit 1114can be any of various available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures also can be employed as theprocessing unit 1114. The system bus 1118 can be any of several types ofbus structures including the memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus or external bus, and/or a local bus using any variety ofavailable bus architectures including, but not limited to, IndustrialStandard Architecture (ISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), ExtendedISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB),Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Card Bus, Universal Serial Bus(USB), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Firewire, and Small ComputerSystems Interface (SCSI). The system memory 1116 can also includevolatile memory 1120 and nonvolatile memory 1122. The basic input/outputsystem (BIOS), containing the basic routines to transfer informationbetween elements within the computer 1112, such as during start-up, canbe stored in nonvolatile memory 1122. By way of illustration, and notlimitation, nonvolatile memory 1122 can include read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, ornonvolatile random access memory (RAM) (e.g., ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM).Volatile memory 1120 can also include random access memory (RAM), whichacts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as static RAM (SRAM),dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM(DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), directRambus RAM (DRRAM), direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambusdynamic RAM.

Computer 1112 can also include removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. FIG. 11 illustrates, forexample, a disk storage 1124. Disk storage 1124 can also include, but isnot limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, floppy disk drive,tape drive, Jaz drive, Zip drive, LS-100 drive, flash memory card, ormemory stick. The disk storage 1124 also can include storage mediaseparately or in combination with other storage media including, but notlimited to, an optical disk drive such as a compact disk ROM device(CD-ROM), CD recordable drive (CD-R Drive), CD rewritable drive (CD-RWDrive) or a digital versatile disk ROM drive (DVD-ROM). To facilitateconnection of the disk storage 1124 to the system bus 1118, a removableor non-removable interface can be used, such as interface 1126. FIG. 11also depicts software that can act as an intermediary between users andthe basic computer resources described in the suitable operatingenvironment 1100. Such software can also include, for example, anoperating system 1128. Operating system 1128, which can be stored ondisk storage 1124, acts to control and allocate resources of thecomputer 1112. System applications 1130 can take advantage of themanagement of resources by operating system 1128 through program modules1132 and program data 1134, e.g., stored either in system memory 1116 oron disk storage 1124. It is to be appreciated that this disclosure canbe implemented with various operating systems or combinations ofoperating systems. A user enters commands or information into thecomputer 1112 through one or more input devices 1136. Input devices 1136can include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse,trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital videocamera, web camera, and the like. These and other input devices canconnect to the processing unit 1114 through the system bus 1118 via oneor more interface ports 1138. The one or more Interface ports 1138 caninclude, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, and auniversal serial bus (USB). One or more output devices 1140 can use someof the same type of ports as input device 1136. Thus, for example, a USBport can be used to provide input to computer 1112, and to outputinformation from computer 1112 to an output device 1140. Output adapter1142 can be provided to illustrate that there are some output devices1140 like monitors, speakers, and printers, among other output devices1140, which require special adapters. The output adapters 1142 caninclude, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and soundcards that provide a means of connection between the output device 1140and the system bus 1118. It should be noted that other devices and/orsystems of devices provide both input and output capabilities such asone or more remote computers 1144.

Computer 1112 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer1144. The remote computer 1144 can be a computer, a server, a router, anetwork PC, a workstation, a microprocessor based appliance, a peerdevice or other common network node and the like, and typically can alsoinclude many or all of the elements described relative to computer 1112.For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1146 isillustrated with remote computer 1144. Remote computer 1144 can belogically connected to computer 1112 through a network interface 1148and then physically connected via communication connection 1150.Further, operation can be distributed across multiple (local and remote)systems. Network interface 1148 can encompass wire and/or wirelesscommunication networks such as local-area networks (LAN), wide-areanetworks (WAN), cellular networks, etc. LAN technologies include FiberDistributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface(CDDI), Ethernet, Token Ring and the like. WAN technologies include, butare not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit switching networkslike Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon,packet switching networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL). One ormore communication connections 1150 refers to the hardware/softwareemployed to connect the network interface 1148 to the system bus 1118.While communication connection 1150 is shown for illustrative clarityinside computer 1112, it can also be external to computer 1112. Thehardware/software for connection to the network interface 1148 can alsoinclude, for exemplary purposes only, internal and external technologiessuch as, modems including regular telephone grade modems, cable modemsand DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards.

Embodiments of the present invention can be a system, a method, anapparatus and/or a computer program product at any possible technicaldetail level of integration. The computer program product can include acomputer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readableprogram instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry outaspects of the present invention. The computer readable storage mediumcan be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for useby an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage mediumcan be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, anelectromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or anysuitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of morespecific examples of the computer readable storage medium can alsoinclude the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static randomaccess memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM),a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, amechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures ina groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitablecombination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, asused herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se,such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves,electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or othertransmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-opticcable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network can includecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device. Computer readable programinstructions for carrying out operations of various aspects of thepresent invention can be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions can executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) can execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to customize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions. These computer readable programinstructions can be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be storedin a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, aprogrammable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to functionin a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage mediumhaving instructions stored therein includes an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the function/actspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Thecomputer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational acts to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successioncan, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks cansometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program product thatruns on a computer and/or computers, those skilled in the art willrecognize that this disclosure also can or can be implemented incombination with other program modules. Generally, program modulesinclude routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. thatperform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract datatypes. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theinventive computer-implemented methods can be practiced with othercomputer system configurations, including single-processor ormultiprocessor computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframecomputers, as well as computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA,phone), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrialelectronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be practicedin distributed computing environments where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. However, some, if not all aspects of this disclosure can bepracticed on stand-alone computers. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules can be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “system,”“platform,” “interface,” and the like, can refer to and/or can include acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational machinewith one or more specific functionalities. The entities disclosed hereincan be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software,software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, butis not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor,an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components canreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component canbe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In another example, respective components can execute fromvarious computer readable media having various data structures storedthereon. The components can communicate via local and/or remoteprocesses such as in accordance with a signal having one or more datapackets (e.g., data from one component interacting with anothercomponent in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a networksuch as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionalityprovided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electroniccircuitry, which is operated by a software or firmware applicationexecuted by a processor. In such a case, the processor can be internalor external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of thesoftware or firmware application. As yet another example, a componentcan be an apparatus that provides specific functionality throughelectronic components without mechanical parts, wherein the electroniccomponents can include a processor or other means to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. In an aspect, a component can emulate anelectronic component via a virtual machine, e.g., within a cloudcomputing system.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the naturalinclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or Xemploys both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any ofthe foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in thesubject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construedto mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from contextto be directed to a singular form. As used herein, the terms “example”and/or “exemplary” are utilized to mean serving as an example, instance,or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matterdisclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, anyaspect or design described herein as an “example” and/or “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplarystructures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As it is employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or deviceincluding, but not limited to, single-core processors; single-processorswith software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors;multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; parallelplatforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory.Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmablelogic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), adiscrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.Further, processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, butnot limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switchesand gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance ofuser equipment. A processor can also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing processing units. In this disclosure, terms such as “store,”“storage,” “data store,” data storage,” “database,” and substantiallyany other information storage component relevant to operation andfunctionality of a component are utilized to refer to “memorycomponents,” entities embodied in a “memory,” or components including amemory. It is to be appreciated that memory and/or memory componentsdescribed herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, orcan include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include readonly memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmableROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, ornonvolatile random access memory (RAM) (e.g., ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM).Volatile memory can include RAM, which can act as external cache memory,for example. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is availablein many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM),direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM (RDRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems orcomputer-implemented methods herein are intended to include, withoutbeing limited to including, these and any other suitable types ofmemory.

What has been described above include mere examples of systems, computerprogram products and computer-implemented methods. It is, of course, notpossible to describe every conceivable combination of components,products and/or computer-implemented methods for purposes of describingthis disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize thatmany further combinations and permutations of this disclosure arepossible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,”“possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims,appendices and drawings such terms are intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim. The descriptions of thevarious embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration,but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodimentsdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spiritof the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen tobest explain the principles of the embodiments, the practicalapplication or technical improvement over technologies found in themarketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: adding a first molecularprobe to a sample of genetic material, wherein the first molecular probehas an affinity to bond to a target nucleic acid sequence; hybridizing asecond molecular probe to a reference nucleic acid sequence comprisedwithin the sample of genetic material; and screening for a mutation inthe sample of genetic material by supplying the sample of geneticmaterial to a nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array,wherein the first molecular probe is smaller than a critical diameterfor lateral displacement by the nanoscale deterministic lateraldisplacement array.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining that the sample of genetic material comprises the mutationbased on the first molecular probe flowing through the nanoscaledeterministic lateral displacement array in a zig-zag path.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the mutation is selected from a groupconsisting of an exon deletion and a chromosomal deletion.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first molecular probe and the second molecularprobe flow through the nanoscale deterministic lateral displacementarray in a bumped path, and wherein the method further comprises:determining a ratio of a first amount of the first molecular probeflowing through the bumped path to a second amount of the secondmolecular probe flowing through the bumped path; and determining whetherthe sample of genetic material comprises the mutation based on theratio.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the mutation is selected from agroup consisting of a copy number variation and an aneuploidy.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first molecular probe comprises a firstidentifier selected from a first group consisting of a fluorescent tagand a magnetic bead, and wherein the second molecular probe comprises asecond identifier selected from a second group consisting of thefluorescent tag and the magnetic bead.
 7. A method, comprising:supplying a target molecular probe and a sample of genetic material to ananoscale deterministic lateral displacement array, the target molecularprobe having an affinity to bond to a target nucleic acid sequence, andthe sample of genetic material having a hybridized reference molecularprobe; and determining whether the sample of genetic material has amutation based on a flow path of the target molecular probe through thenanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array, wherein the targetmolecular probe is smaller than a critical diameter for lateraldisplacement by the nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array.8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining that thesample of genetic material comprises a deletion of a target exon ortarget chromosome with regards to the target nucleic acid sequence basedon the target molecular probe flowing through the nanoscaledeterministic lateral displacement array in a zig-zag path.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the target molecular probe and the hybridizedreference molecular probe flow through the nanoscale deterministiclateral displacement array in a bumped path, and wherein the methodfurther comprises: determining a ratio of a first amount of the targetmolecular probe flowing through the bumped path to a second amount ofthe hybridized reference molecular probe flowing through the bumpedpath; and determining whether the sample of genetic material comprisesthe mutation based on the ratio.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein themutation is selected from a group consisting of a copy number variationand an aneuploidy.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the targetmolecular probe comprises a first identifier selected from a first groupconsisting of a fluorescent tag and a magnetic bead, and wherein thehybridized reference molecular probe comprises a second identifierselected from a second group consisting of the fluorescent tag and themagnetic bead.
 12. A method, comprising: supplying a target molecularprobe and a sample of genetic material to a nanoscale deterministiclateral displacement array, the target molecular probe having anaffinity to bond to a target nucleic acid sequence, and the sample ofgenetic material having a hybridized reference molecular probe;determining an amount of the target molecular probe that exits thenanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array via a bumped flowpath; determining an amount of the hybridized reference molecular probethat exits the nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array viathe bumped flow path; and determining whether the sample of geneticmaterial has a mutation based on a ratio of the amount of the targetmolecular probe that exits the nanoscale deterministic lateraldisplacement array via the bumped flow path to the amount of thehybridized reference molecular probe that exits the nanoscaledeterministic lateral displacement array via the bumped flow path. 13.The method of claim 12, wherein the target molecular probe is smallerthan a critical diameter for lateral displacement by the nanoscaledeterministic lateral displacement array.
 14. The method of claim 12,further comprising: determining that the sample of genetic materialcomprises a double deletion with respect to the target nucleic acidsequence based on the amount of the target molecular probe that exitsthe nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array via the bumpedpath being zero.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the double deletioncomprises a deletion of at least one member selected form the groupconsisting of an exon and a chromosome.
 16. The method of claim 12,further comprising: determining that the sample of genetic materialcomprises a single deletion with respect to the target nucleic acidsequence based on the ratio being less than
 1. 17. The method of claim12, further comprising: determining that the sample of genetic materialdoes not comprise the mutation with respect to the target nucleic acidsequence based on the ratio being equal to
 1. 18. The method of claim12, further comprising: determining that the sample of genetic materialcomprises an amplification mutation with respect to the target nucleicacid sequence based on the ratio being greater than
 1. 19. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the amplification mutation is selected from the groupconsisting of a copy number variation and an aneuploidy.
 20. The methodof claim 12, wherein the target molecular probe comprises a firstidentifier selected from a first group consisting of a fluorescent tagand a magnetic bead, and wherein the hybridized reference molecularprobe comprises a second identifier selected from a second groupconsisting of the fluorescent tag and the magnetic bead.